tic who is disposed to treat all religion with contempt; a disputer of this world, who is nevertheless very courteous personally to ourselves; a worldly-minded man, who has no objection to go with us, to a certain point, in the assertion of Christian truth, but who will view us with suspicion if we pass beyond that limit; and especially if, among those to whom we look with habitual respect, there should be any whose authority is exerted to discredit the doctrines of the gospel, is there no danger lest we keep back some statements which may possibly be offensive, or virtually neutralize an important doctrine in order to avoid reproach? Are we prepared to declare the whole counsel of God, and to take all consequences? ready, for the sake of Christ and his gospel, to sacrifice reputation, interest, the regard even of those whom we love and honour? determined not to sanction any other gospel, however widely it may have spread, and by whatever authority it may be supported? Let us not imagine that this is a light or an easy thing. The Christian minister has often to lament how much he is tempted in such cases to shrink from the calls of duty; and he has constant need to seek

strength and courage from Him who is the giver of every good and perfect gift.

Neither is it less important that the preacher of the gospel be influenced by a spirit of kindness and of love.

Such we may infer from the language of the prophet, was the disposition of the person who published glad tidings to the captive Jews. We see his benevolence in the manner of his proclamation, and in the speed with which he is supposed to hasten on his way. We are probably to consider him as himself a descendant of Abraham, sympathizing in the afflic tions of his brethren, and rejoicing in their joy. The minister of Jesus Christ is to manifest a similar spirit: speaking the truth in love;* addressing himself with kindness even to those who have no kindred feeling for him; and if compelled to use the language of reprehension, he is not to forget that his errand is an errand of grace. This is a disposition which peculiarly becometh the gospel. It is a spirit which befits the herald of peace and salvation. The message is of love, and such should be the spirit in which it is delivered. And what circum

* Eph. iv. 51.

stance can be more likely to secure candid attention, to conciliate esteem, or to win men to Christ? The labours of Saint Paul were eminently blessed at Ephesus; and great was the affection borne to him by that people; can we be surprised at it? He had not ceased to warn every one night and day with tears.* What an impression must this have left upon their minds, not of his earnestness only, but of his love for their souls!

The minister of Christ will likewise have occasion for patience and forbearance.

He must not be disappointed if he fail to discover all the signs of success, which perhaps he had expected. It may be his painful lot, and for a considerable time, to stretch out his hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people. Notwithstanding all his earnestness, some probably will continue in a state of absolute indifference, caring for none of these things; some will hear and approve, and continue as they were; some who appeared to be sensible of the importance of the gospel, and desirous to be at peace with God, will gradually lose that impression; some who seem to have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of

Acts xx. 31.

the world to come,* and to be striving to make their calling and election sure,† will turn back to this present world; and it will be necessary again and again to reprove, and rebuke, and exhort. This will require much forbearance and long-suffering; but we must not be weary in well doing. The duty is ours, the event is with God; and possessing our souls in patience, to Him we must learn to leave it.

And what does all this imply, but that the Christian minister should be a man of a spiritual and heavenly mind, governed in his own heart by the holy motives and dispositions of the gospel, and being an example of the believers in word and conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, living and walking in the light? In order to preach the gospel with just effect, he must have imbibed its spirit, and manifest its holy influence. We may be as correct as possible in the exhibition of Christian doctrine; but if there be no spiritual warmth and spiritual energy in our souls, and especially if our conduct be at variance with our profession, what reason have we to hope

* Heb. vi. 5.

Luke xxi. 19.

+ 2 Peter i. 10.

§ 1 Tim. iv. 12.

either that men will listen to the message, or that God will follow it by a blessing? The teachers chosen by our Lord had His spirit within them; and their conversation was in heaven.* From the fulness of their hearts they preached the gospel, and their whole lives bore witness to its power.

And while thus fulfilling the obligations of our sacred office in simplicity and Christian sincerity, we shall best consult our own peace of mind, and best maintain a conscience void of offence. Awful indeed is the condition of that minister, who never thinks of the trust committed to his charge, nor of the tremendous responsibility which awaits him! the more awful because he feels it not. To be awakened at length to a better mind, and to come, however late, to serious reflection, is an event supremely to be desired. But to such a man, how painful must it be, in this his better state, to dwell upon the dark and melancholy period which preceded it! He has occasion frequently to walk among the memorials of the dead; to look upon the graves of men who were formerly within reach of his instruction, but who are now in eternity. And *Phil. iii. 20.